The North News
New Delhi, October 13
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Monday said India and Canada are working to restore and strengthen their bilateral relationship, describing recent diplomatic and ministerial engagements as “important steps” in rebuilding trust and advancing cooperation. Addressing foreign ministers’ talks in New Delhi, the External Affairs Minister said, “India-Canada relations have been steadily progressing in the last few months. We are working to restore and reinvigorate the mechanisms necessary to advance our partnership.” Jaishankar referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Kananaskis earlier this year, calling it a sign of “a positive mindset to move forward.” He also highlighted a series of engagements over the past month, including National Security Adviser-level talks in New Delhi on September 18 and meetings between foreign ministry officials on September 19.
“Our trade ministers spoke very recently, actually on October 11,” Jaishankar said, outlining an “ambitious roadmap” for cooperation covering trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, civil nuclear collaboration, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and energy. The minister noted that the appointment of new High Commissioners in both capitals would help advance the partnership. “Our responsibility as foreign ministers is to shepherd the process of rebuilding our cooperation and to ensure it delivers on the expectations of our prime ministers and the interests of our people,” he said.
Jaishankar emphasised the shared global outlook of both countries. “India and Canada have a long tradition of being active in world affairs. We are members of the G20 and the Commonwealth. Our convergences in the Indo-Pacific are notable. We are strong proponents of effective multilateralism, climate action and SDG Agenda 2030,” he added.
